Japan, China eye energy cooperation for better ties

Japanese and Chinese officials expressed hope on Monday that a new initiative aimed at cooperating in saving energy and protecting the environment would help mend fences between the two countries.

Sino-Japanese relations are at their lowest point in decades, weighed down by a territorial dispute and rows related to Japan’s invasion and occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945.

The two governments agreed on Monday to launch a policy dialogue aimed at thrashing out specific projects and goals on energy conservation. Japan also agreed to help train Chinese specialists in energy conservation and coal-mining.